Suction and irrigation apparatus with anti-clogging capability

ABSTRACT

A handheld tool for providing irrigation and/or suction is provided. In certain embodiments, the tool has a single cannula for providing both suction and irrigation, while in others there are separate suction and irrigation cannulas. In some embodiments, flush water is supplied by actuating a flush button which both pinches closed a suction hose and opens a flush hose. If present, the irrigation cannula may be opened by actuating an irrigation button. In certain embodiments, the irrigation and/or flush button may be provided with blade tips to pinch closed the irrigation or flush hoses in cooperation with a blade extending from the tool housing.

PRIORITY CLAIM

In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in anApplication Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, thepresent invention claims priority as a Continuation patent applicationto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/745,151, entitled “SUCTION ANDIRRIGATION APPARATUS WITH ANTI-CLOGGING CAPABILITY”, filed Jan. 18,2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,248,228, issuing Feb. 2, 2016. The contents ofthe above referenced application are incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates, in at least certain embodiments, to ahandheld tool for providing suction and/or irrigation to a wound site orbody opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During medical procedures, for example surgical or dental procedures, itis common for a doctor or other health care professional to provideirrigation fluid to a body site (e.g. a wound or oral cavity). Theirrigation fluid may be, for example, water, saline, or anotherbiocompatible fluid. The health care professional may also desire toapply suction to the body site in order to remove fluid or debris. Whileapplying suction, clogging of the suction cannula can occur if a pieceof debris enters the cannula and becomes lodged inside. On someoccasions, it is beneficial to provide irrigation and suction at thesame time. Health care professionals often handle multiple tools at atime, leaving only a single hand to operate each tool. They also conductprocedures with long durations, so tools may be in their hands and inuse for extended periods of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment, a handheld tool for providing irrigation andsuction is provided. The tool includes a housing, a suction terminalconfigured to connect to a source of suction, and an irrigation terminalconfigured to connect to a source of irrigation fluid. A cannula extendsfrom a distal end of the housing, and is configured to deliver fluid orremove fluid or debris from a body site. A suction hose is coupled atone end to the suction terminal and extends to, and is coupled to, aproximal end of the cannula. A control port hose is in fluidcommunication with the suction terminal and has one end which terminatesat an open port defined in the housing in fluid communication with anoutside atmosphere. A flush hose is coupled at one end to the irrigationterminal and at the other end to the suction hose. A flush button isdisposed within the housing. The suction hose is configured to benormally open, and the flush hose is configured to be normally closed.Actuation of the flush button causes the flush hose to switch to an openposition, allowing fluid to flow to the cannula, and pinches the suctionhose into a closed position, such that fluid or debris do not travel tothe suction source.

In another embodiment, a handheld tool for providing irrigation andsuction is provided. The tool includes a housing and a front manifoldand a rear manifold disposed within the housing. The rear manifold has asuction terminal configured to connect to a source of suction and anirrigation terminal configured to connect to a source of irrigationfluid. A suction cannula extends from a distal end of the frontmanifold, and is configured to deliver fluid or remove fluid or debrisfrom a body site. A suction hose extends from the suction terminal ofthe rear manifold to a suction channel in a proximal end of the frontmanifold, and the suction channel is in fluid communication with thesuction cannula. A control port hose extends from the suction terminalof the rear manifold and terminates at an open port defined in thehousing, which is in fluid communication with an outside atmosphere. Aflush hose extends from the irrigation terminal of the rear manifold toa flush channel in the proximal end of the front manifold, and the flushchannel terminates in the suction channel. A flush button is disposedwithin the housing. An irrigation hose extends from the irrigationterminal of the rear manifold through a distal end of the housing andextends adjacent to the suction cannula to form an irrigation cannula.An irrigation button is disposed within the housing. The suction hose isconfigured to be normally open, and the flush hose and irrigation hoseare configured to be normally closed. Actuation of the flush buttoncauses the flush hose to switch to an open position, allowing fluid toflow to the suction cannula, and pinches the suction hose into a closedposition, such that fluid or debris do not travel to the suction source.Actuation of the irrigation button causes the irrigation hose to switchto an open position, allowing fluid to flow to the irrigation cannula.

In another embodiment, a handheld tool for providing irrigation andsuction is provided. The tool includes a housing and a front manifoldand a rear manifold disposed within the housing. The rear manifold has asuction terminal configured to connect to a source of suction and anirrigation terminal configured to connect to a source of irrigationfluid. A cannula extends from a distal end of the front manifold, and isconfigured to deliver fluid or remove fluid or debris from a body site.A suction hose extends from the suction terminal of the rear manifold toa suction channel in a proximal end of the front manifold, the suctionchannel being in fluid communication with the cannula. A control porthose extends from the suction terminal of the rear manifold andterminates at an open port defined in the housing, which is in fluidcommunication with an outside atmosphere. A flush hose extends from theirrigation terminal of the rear manifold to a flush channel in theproximal end of the front manifold, and the flush channel terminates inthe suction channel. A flush button is disposed within the housing. Thesuction hose is configured to be normally open, and the flush hose isconfigured to be normally closed. Actuation of the flush button causesthe flush hose to switch to an open position, allowing fluid to flow tothe cannula, and pinches the suction hose into a closed position, suchthat fluid or debris do not travel to the suction source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment having dual cannulas;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment having a single cannula;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment having dual cannulas;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment having a single cannula;

FIG. 5 is a sectioned perspective view of an embodiment having dualcannulas;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a front manifold;

FIG. 7 is a cutaway bottom view of an embodiment having dual cannulas;

FIG. 8 is a side section view of an embodiment having dual cannulas withboth irrigation and flush buttons un-actuated and the flush hose pinchedclosed;

FIG. 9 is a side section view of an embodiment having a single cannulawith the flush button actuated and the flush hose open;

FIG. 10 is a side section view of an embodiment having dual cannulaswith both irrigation and flush buttons un-actuated and the suction hoseopen;

FIG. 11 is a side section view of an embodiment having a single cannulawith the flush button actuated and the suction hose pinched closed;

FIG. 12 is a side section view of an embodiment having dual cannulaswith both irrigation and flush buttons un-actuated and the control porthose open and the irrigation hose pinched closed;

FIG. 13 is a side section view of an embodiment having dual cannulaswith the flush button removed for clarity and showing the irrigationbutton actuated and the irrigation hose open;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side section view of an embodiment of the suctionvalve with the flush button un-actuated and the suction hose open;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged side section view of an embodiment of the suctionvalve with the flush button actuated and the suction hose pinchedclosed;

FIG. 16 is a cutaway side view of an embodiment with the flush buttonhaving a snapover member and the housing having a snap projection;

FIG. 17 is a cutaway perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side section view of an embodiment having dual cannulas inwhich the suction cannula has a tip with reduced diameter and theirrigation cannula is shorter than the suction cannula and has an angledtip;

FIGS. 19A-19H are perspective views of various embodiments of dualcannula configurations;

FIG. 20 is a phantom view of an embodiment of a ball check valvedisposed in the rear manifold; and

FIG. 21 is a sectioned perspective view of an embodiment of a reed checkvalve disposed in the rear manifold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention. Except in the examples, or where otherwiseexpressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this descriptionindicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction and/or use areto be understood as modified by the word “about” in describing thebroadest scope of the invention. Practice within the numerical limitsstated is generally preferred.

With respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, a handheld tool 10 for providingirrigation and suction is shown. The tool 10 has a housing 12, which maybe formed from multiple pieces and is shown having a top half 14 and abottom half 16. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 1, the tool10 has a dual lumen/cannula configuration, providing a suction cannula18 and an irrigation cannula 20 separately. In other embodiments, suchas shown in FIG. 2, the tool 10 has a single lumen/cannula 18 thatprovides both suction and irrigation. Dual cannula embodiments may havetwo buttons, a flush button 22 and an irrigation button 24, while singlecannula embodiments may have a single button, the flush button 22. Asshown in the Figures, the buttons may be arranged axially with the flushbutton 22 in the rear and the irrigation button 24 (when present) in thefront. However, the flush button 22 and irrigation button 24 can bearranged in any manner; for example, with the flush button 22 in thefront and irrigation in the rear, side by side, or other arrangement.

In embodiments having dual cannulas, a sleeve 26 may be provided to holdthe two cannulas together. The sleeve 26 may be made of any materialsuitable for contact with the body and bodily fluids, and may be a heatshrinkable material to ensure that the suction cannula 18 and irrigationcannula 20 are held firmly together. The sleeve 26 may also have anouter matte finish in order to prevent reflection of light off of thecannulas. A sleeve 26 may also be included in embodiments having asingle cannula 18 in order to prevent light reflection.

With respect to FIGS. 3 and 4, in at least some embodiments the housing12 for both the dual cannula embodiments and single cannula embodimentsinclude a front manifold 28 and a rear manifold 30, with “front”referring to the end of the housing 12 having the cannula(s) extendingtherefrom and “rear” referring to the end opposite the cannula(s) 18(s).As used herein, the terms “distal” and “proximal” have the sameorientation, respectively, as front and rear. The front manifold 28 hasa distal end 32 and a proximal end 34, with the suction cannula 18 beingreceived in a cannula channel 36 in the distal end 32 of the frontmanifold 28. The proximal end 34 of the front manifold 28 has a split,or “Y” configuration, having two channels, which will be described infurther detail below. The rear manifold 30 has two terminals, a suctionterminal 38 configured to be attached to a source of suction (e.g.vacuum) and an irrigation terminal 40 configured to be attached to asource of irrigation fluid (e.g. water or saline).

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, within the housing 12, for both the dual andsingle cannula embodiments, three hoses or other such conduits may beutilized: a suction hose 42, a control port hose 44, and a flush hose46. The suction hose 42 attaches to the suction terminal 38 of the rearmanifold 30 and extends to the proximal end 34 of the front manifold 28,where it attaches to a suction channel 48, which is one of the twochannels in the split proximal end 34 of the front manifold 28.Accordingly, a continuous path is formed from the cannula 18, throughthe cannula channel 36 and the suction channel 48 of the front manifold28, through the suction hose 42, to the suction terminal 38 of the rearmanifold 30, and from there through a conduit (not shown) to the sourceof suction. This path may be referred to as the suction path 50, and iscommon to both dual and single cannula embodiments.

A control port hose 44, such as shown in FIGS. 3-5, also attaches to thesuction terminal 38 of the rear manifold 30, and extends through thehousing 12 and terminates at an open port 52 defined in the housing 12such that it is in fluid communication with the outside atmosphere. Inthis respect, “in the housing” refers to the housing 12 itself and anybuttons or other components disposed therein or protruding therefrom. Inat least one embodiment having a dual cannula, the open port 52 islocated on a top surface 54 of the irrigation button 24. The onlyrequirement for the open port 52 is that it provides an opening to anoutside atmosphere. Since the control port hose 44 and the suction hose42 both attach to the suction terminal 38 of the rear manifold 30, theymay optionally merge to form a common hose at one end where they attachto the suction terminal 38. Alternatively, the two hoses may remainseparate, and the suction terminal 38 may connect to each individuallyand have a common channel leading to the source of suction. In oneembodiment, a check valve (described in more detail below) is providedin the control port hose 44 to allow air to travel into the suction pathbut prevent any liquid from exiting through the open port 52.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1-4, the control port hose 44 and open port52, combined with the suction hose 42 and source of suction, facilitatean easy and single-handed suction operation by a user of the tool 10. Inpractice, the source of suction is maintained in an “on” state, suchthat suction is constantly being applied to the suction hose 42 and thecontrol port hose 44. However, due to the open port 52, there is verylittle or no actual suction applied at the tip of the suction or singlecannula 18 when inserted into a patient's body because air ispreferentially pulled though the open port 52. When the user of the tool10 desires to apply suction through the suction path 50, he/she coversthe open port 52, generally with a single finger, thereby obstructingthe control port hose 44 from the atmosphere and causing suction to beapplied through the cannula 18 to remove fluid and/or debris.

Again common to both dual and single cannula embodiments, a flush hose46 is provided that extends from the irrigation terminal 40 of the rearmanifold 30 to the proximal end 34 of the front manifold 28, where itattaches to a flush channel 56, which is the other of the two channelsin the split proximal end 34 of the front manifold 28. As shown in FIGS.5 and 6, the flush channel 56 extends into and terminates in the suctionchannel 48 of the front manifold 28. In at least one embodiment, theflush channel 56 extends into and terminates in the suction channel 48at a reentrant or rearward angle such that the flush liquid enters thesuction channel 48 at least partially in the direction of the suctionpath 50 (i.e. traveling towards the suction source). The reentrant orrearward angle of the termination of the flush channel 56 ensures thatdebris or fluid traveling through the suction path 50 cannot travel intoor through the flush channel 56, where it could possibly become clogged.

Accordingly, a continuous path is formed from the irrigation source (notshown), to the irrigation terminal 40 of the rear manifold 30, throughthe flush hose 46, through the flush channel 56, a portion of thesuction channel 48, and then the cannula channel 36 of the frontmanifold 28, and then though the suction or single cannula 18. This pathmay be referred to as the flush path 58, and is common to both dual andsingle cannula embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dual cannula embodiments have an additionalhose, the irrigation hose 60. In at least one embodiment, the irrigationhose 60 extends from the irrigation terminal 40 of the rear manifold 30and extends through a distal end 62 of the housing 12 and continues toextend adjacent to the suction cannula 18, thereby forming an irrigationcannula 20. In these embodiments, the portion of the irrigation hose 60extending outside of the housing 12 and forming the irrigation cannula20 is referred to as the cannula portion of the irrigation hose 60. Thecannula portion may be held to the suction cannula 18 by the sleeve 26,or may be otherwise affixed through mechanical attachment or adhesives.In other embodiments, the irrigation hose 60 may terminate inside thehousing 12, for example in an irrigation channel 64 (not shown) in thefront manifold 28 or in a separate channel, and a separate irrigationcannula 20 may extend alongside the suction cannula 18. In theseembodiments, the cannulas may be fused or otherwise be formed from asingle piece, or they may be separate and held together as describedabove (e.g. via the sleeve 26 or mechanically/chemically attached).

Similar to the suction hose 42 and the control port hose 44 bothconnecting to the suction terminal 38, both the flush hose 46 and theirrigation hose 60 connect to the irrigation terminal 40. As with thesuction and control port hoses, the flush and irrigation hoses mayoptionally merge to form a common hose at one end where they attach tothe irrigation terminal 40. Alternatively, the two hoses may remainseparate and the irrigation terminal 40 may connect to each individuallyand have a common channel leading to the source of irrigation. Acontinuous path is formed from the irrigation source (not shown), to theirrigation terminal 40 of the rear manifold 30, through the irrigationhose 60, and out either the cannula portion of the irrigation hose 60 ora separate irrigation cannula 20. This path may be referred to as theirrigation path 66, and is only present in dual cannula embodiments.

While the embodiments illustrated include front and rear manifolds 28,30, in other embodiments the hoses may connect directly to thecannula(s) and/or may merge with one another directly rather thanconnect to a manifold. For example, the flush hose 46, instead ofconnecting to the suction hose 42 through the front manifold 28, maymerge with the suction hose directly to complete the flush path 58. Inaddition, rather than connect to the cannula 18 through the frontmanifold 28, the suction hose 42 may be coupled directly to the cannula18. In some embodiments, the rear manifold 30 may be eliminated in asimilar manner. For example, at least one of the suction hose 42,control port hose 44, and flush hose 46 may be coupled directly to thesource of suction or irrigation rather than through the rear manifold30. In another embodiment, the control port hose 44 may split off fromthe suction hose 42 such that they share a common portion connected toand in fluid communication with the rear manifold 30 (or directconnection to the source of suction, as just described).

With respect to FIGS. 5-15, the operation of the tool 10 will bedescribed. As explained above, the suction hose 42, control port hose44, and flush hose 46, as well as the front manifold 28 and rearmanifold 30, are the same or similar in both dual and single cannulaembodiments. In at least one embodiment, the suction hose 42 and thecontrol port hose 44 are open when no buttons are being actuated, whichherein will be described as “normally open”, and the flush hose 46 isclosed when no buttons are being actuated, which herein will bedescribed as “normally closed”. Therefore, with the buttons not actuated(such as shown in FIG. 7), suction is applied through the suction hose42 and the control port hose 44 and no fluid travels through the flushhose 46 (however, without covering the open port 52, negligible suctionis applied through the suction cannula 18, as described above). Thisstate could be referred to as the rest state or inactive state. Theconfiguration and operation of the buttons, and how they open and closethe hoses, will be discussed in greater detail following the descriptionof the buttons' effects.

The flush button 22 operates in the same way for both the dual andsingle cannula embodiments; however it serves a different purpose ineach. Since the single cannula embodiments do not have a separateirrigation hose 60 and irrigation cannula 20, the flush button 22 andflush path 58 operate to provide irrigation through the suction cannula18 (i.e. there can be no simultaneous irrigation and suction). Asdescribed above, the flush hose 46 is normally closed and the suctionhose 42 is normally open. When the user of a single cannula tool 10wishes to provide irrigation, the flush button 22 is actuated. As shownin FIGS. 8-11, actuation of the flush button 22 causes the flush hose 46to open and the suction hose 42 to close. Therefore, fluid flows throughthe flush path 58 and out through the suction cannula 18. In at leastone embodiment, described previously and shown in FIG. 6, the flushchannel 56 extends into and terminates in the suction channel 48 at arearward angle. This means that upon actuation of the flush button 22, asmall amount of irrigation fluid may be suctioned off through thesuction hose 42 if the suction hose 42 is not closed before theirrigation fluid arrives. However, once the suction hose 42 is closed,the only outlet of the irrigation fluid is through the suction cannula18, and the irrigation fluid will exit therefrom.

In embodiments having dual cannulas, the irrigation hose 60 is alsonormally closed, and therefore the same result occurs when the tool 10is in the rest state: the suction hose 42 and control port hose 44 areopen and the flush hose 46 and irrigation hose 60 are closed. As shownin FIGS. 12-13, if the user wants to initiate irrigation, the irrigationbutton 24 is pushed and the irrigation hose 60 is opened, therebyallowing fluid to travel through the irrigation path 66 and out of theirrigation cannula 20. Since the irrigation hose 60 is independent ofthe suction hose 42 and suction cannula 18, the dual cannula embodimentsallow for simultaneous irrigation and suction by actuating theirrigation button 24 and covering the open port 52 connected to thecontrol port hose 44. In embodiments where the open port 52 is locatedon the top surface 54 of the irrigation button 24, simultaneousirrigation and suction can be accomplished with a single finger bypushing down on the irrigation button 24 while also covering the openport 52, thereby making the process extremely easy for the user andfreeing up their other hand/fingers for other tasks.

In embodiments having dual cannulas, and therefore a separate irrigationhose 60, the purpose of the flush hose 46 is to flush out clogs that mayoccur in the suction cannula 18, the cannula channel 36, or the suctionchannel 48. Actuation of the flush button 22 in single cannulaembodiments does, of course, also flush out clogs in the same mannerwhen providing irrigation fluid. It is possible to provide a “partialpressure flush” in either of the embodiments by only partially actuatingthe flush button 22. As will be described more fully below, this willresult in the flush hose 46 being partially opened and the suction hose42 being partially closed. Therefore, some flush fluid may escapethrough the partially open flush hose 46, but the reduced flush fluidwill still be sufficient to flush a small clog in the cannula 18. Thispartial pressure flush may be useful when there is a small clog and itis not desirable to supply large volumes of flush fluid. For largerclogs, or when larger flush volumes are acceptable, the user may fullyactuate the flush button 22, thereby fully opening the flush hose 46 andfully closing the suction hose 42. If there is a large clog, a fullactuation will cause pressure to build up behind the clog due to thefully closed suction hose 42, helping to flush the clog out of thesuction cannula 18.

The operation of the flush button 22 and irrigation button 24 (whenpresent) will now be described with respect to FIGS. 3-4 and 7-15. In atleast one embodiment, the flush button 22 and irrigation button 24 arehinge-mounted in the housing 12. The hinge mounting may comprise a hingemale portion 68 on either the housing 12 or one of the front or rearmanifolds, and a hinge female portion 70 on the flush button 22 and theirrigation button 24, for example as shown in FIG. 8. However, anyconfiguration known in the art for allowing for a hinged connectionbetween the housing 12 or components therein may be used. In addition,in other embodiments (not shown) one or both of the flush button 22 andirrigation button 24 may be mounted in the housing 12 without a hingedconnection. In at least one embodiment, the flush button and/orirrigation button may be vertical push buttons, that is, they movelinearly up and down (or side to side if the button is horizontal).Examples of other potential button mountings include side-to-siderockers, fore-aft rockers, and triggers.

In at least one embodiment, the flush button 22 has two projections, afirst projection 72 configured to contact and selectably open and closethe flush hose 46 and a second projection 74 configured to contact andselectably open and close the suction hose 42. In at least oneembodiment, the first projection 72 extends downward from a body of theflush button 22 and underneath the flush hose 46, for example as seen inFIGS. 8-9. The first projection 72 has a blade tip 76 extendingtransverse to a longitudinal axis of the flush hose 46 and is configuredto engage the flush hose 46 transversely across its longitudinal axis.In at least one embodiment, the blade tip 76 has a side profile incross-section that tapers to a rounded edge 78. The housing 12 has aflush hose blade 80 extending from a side wall thereof or from acomponent situated within the housing 12. The flush hose blade 80 alsohas a blade tip 82 extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of theflush hose 46 and configured to engage the flush hose 46 transverselyacross its longitudinal axis. In at least one embodiment, the flush hoseblade 80 engages the flush hose 46 from above, for example as seen inFIGS. 8-9. However, in embodiments where the flush button 22 is located,for example, on the bottom of the tool, the relative locations of thefirst projection 72 and flush hose blade 80 may be reversed, such thatthe first projection 72 is disposed above the flush hose 46 and theflush hose blade 80 engages the flush hose 46 from below. In otherembodiments, the first projection 72 and flush hose blade 80 may engagethe flush hose 46 from the sides, for example if the hinge was mountedon the side of the housing 12 or if the button was a side-to-siderocker.

A spring 84 is disposed within the housing 12 and extends between theflush button 22 first projection 72 and a side wall of the housing 12,or a component therein. In at least one embodiment, there is an annularwell 86 formed in the housing 12 for receiving the spring 84 and holdingit in place. The flush button 22 first projection 72 may have an annularwell 86, also, or the spring 84 may be attached to the first projection72 in any suitable manner known in the art. In at least one embodiment,the spring 84 is configured such that it biases the first projection 72upward when the flush button 22 is not actuated (i.e. at rest), causingthe blade tip 76 of the flush button 22 to pinch the flush hose 46against the blade tip 82 of the flush hose blade 80 extending from thehousing 12 and close the flush hose 46, as shown in FIG. 8. When theflush button 22 is actuated by a user pushing it downward, the buttonand its first projection 72 travel in a downward arc, due to the hingemounting, thereby overcoming the spring 84 bias and causing the flushhose 46 to be opened, as shown in FIG. 9. The first projection 72 bladetip 76 and the flush hose blade 80 therefore cooperate, along with thespring 84, to form a flush valve 88 for opening and closing the flushhose 46.

In at least one embodiment, the second projection 74 of the flush button22 extends downward from the body of the flush button 22 but is abovethe suction hose 42, for example as shown in FIGS. 10-11. The secondprojection 74 has a blade tip 90 extending transverse to a longitudinalaxis of the suction hose 42 and is configured to engage the suction hose42 transversely across its longitudinal axis. In at least oneembodiment, the blade tip 90 has a side profile in cross-section thattapers to a rounded edge 92. The housing 12 has a suction hose blade 94extending from a side wall thereof or from a component situated withinthe housing 12. The suction hose blade 94 also has a blade tip 96extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the suction hose 42 andconfigured to engage the suction hose 42 transversely across itslongitudinal axis. In at least one embodiment, the suction hose blade 94engages the suction hose 42 from below, for example as seen in FIGS.10-11. However, in embodiments where the flush button 22 is located, forexample, on the bottom of the tool, the relative locations of the secondprojection 74 and suction hose blade 94 may be reversed, such that thesecond projection 74 is disposed below the suction hose 42 and thesuction hose blade 94 engages the suction hose 42 from above. In otherembodiments, the second projection 74 and suction hose blade 94 mayengage the suction hose 42 from the sides, for example if the hinge wasmounted on the side of the housing 12 or if the button was aside-to-side rocker.

No spring is necessary for the closing of the suction hose 42 by thesecond projection 74. When the flush button 22 is actuated by a userpushing it downward, the button and its second projection 74 travel in adownward arc, due to the hinge mounting. This causes the blade tip 90 ofthe second projection 74 to pinch the suction hose 42 against thesuction hose blade tip 96, thereby closing the suction hose 42, as shownin FIG. 11. The second projection blade tip 90 and the suction hoseblade 94 therefore cooperate to form a suction valve 98 for opening andclosing the suction hose 42.

The irrigation button 24 has a third projection 100 configured tocontact and selectably open and close the irrigation hose 60 in dualcannula embodiments. In at least one embodiment, the third projection100 extends downward from a body of the irrigation button 24 andunderneath the irrigation hose 60, for example as seen in FIGS. 12-13.The third projection 100 has a blade tip 102 extending transverse to alongitudinal axis of the irrigation hose 60 and is configured to engagethe irrigation hose 60 transversely across its longitudinal axis. In atleast one embodiment, the blade tip 102 has a side profile incross-section that tapers to a rounded edge 104. The housing 12 has anirrigation hose blade 106 extending from a side wall thereof or from acomponent situated within the housing 12. The irrigation hose blade 106also has a blade tip 108 extending transverse to the longitudinal axisof the irrigation hose 60 and configured to engage the irrigation hose60 transversely across its longitudinal axis. In at least oneembodiment, the irrigation hose blade 106 engages the irrigation hose 60from above, for example as seen in FIGS. 12-13. However, in embodimentswhere the irrigation button 24 is located, for example, on the bottom ofthe tool, the relative locations of the third projection 100 andirrigation hose blade 106 may be reversed, such that the thirdprojection 100 is disposed above the irrigation hose 60 and theirrigation hose blade 106 engages the irrigation hose 60 from below. Inother embodiments, the third projection 100 and irrigation hose blade106 may engage the irrigation hose 60 from the sides, for example if thehinge was mounted on the side of the housing 12 or if the button was aside-to-side rocker.

A spring 110 is disposed within the housing 12 and extends between theirrigation button 24 projection and a side wall of the housing 12, or acomponent therein. In at least one embodiment, there is an annular well86 formed in the housing 12 for receiving the spring 110 and holding itin place. The irrigation button 24 projection may have an annular well86, also, or the spring 110 may be attached to the third projection 100in any suitable manner known in the art. In at least one embodiment, thespring 110 is configured such that it biases the third projection 100upward when the irrigation button 24 is not actuated (i.e. at rest),causing the blade tip 102 of the irrigation button 24 to pinch theirrigation hose 60 against the blade tip 108 of the irrigation hoseblade 106 extending from the housing 12 and close the irrigation hose60, as shown in FIG. 12. When the irrigation button 24 is actuated by auser pushing it downward, the button and its projection travel in adownward arc, due to the hinge mounting, thereby overcoming the spring110 bias and causing the irrigation hose 60 to be opened, as shown inFIG. 13. The irrigation button 24 blade tip 102 and the irrigation hoseblade 106 therefore cooperate, along with the spring 110, to form anirrigation valve 112 for opening and closing the irrigation hose 60.

With respect to FIGS. 14 and 15, enlarged views of at least oneembodiment of the valves in an open and closed position are shown, usingthe suction valve 98 as an example. However, embodiments of theirrigation valve 112 and flush valve 88 may operate in a similar manner.The arc path 114 of the flush button 22 is shown as a dotted line andthe solid lines 116 bisect the blade tips 90, 96 of the secondprojection 74 and the suction hose blade 94. In at least one embodiment,the blade tips 90, 96 are slightly offset when in a closed position inorder to compensate for the circular arc motion of the hinged buttons.When the suction valve 98 is open, such as shown in FIG. 14, thebisecting lines are not collinear, but rather intersect at an angle. Tomost effectively close the hose, the blade tips 90, 96 may be configuredsuch that the bisecting lines intersect at a very high angle or aresubstantially collinear when the hose is completely closed, such asshown in FIG. 15. In at least one embodiment, the bisecting linesintersect at an angle from 170 to 190 degrees.

In certain embodiments, the hose may be completely closed when the bladetips 90, 96 are separated by a distance substantially equal to about twotimes the hose wall thickness, such as shown in FIG. 15. In otherembodiments, additional compression may be necessary to fully close thehose. In one embodiment, the blade tips 90, 96 may be separated by about1.5 times the hose wall thickness when in a fully closed position. Inanother embodiment, the blade tips 90, 96 may be separated by about asingle hose wall thickness when in a fully closed position.

According to at least one embodiment, the suction and irrigation tool 10is configured and sized to be held by a user with only a single hand,and any and all of the buttons are operated with only a single finger,for example a thumb. In addition, all of the hoses, springs, and buttonprojections are completely disposed within the housing 12, and thebuttons and the manifolds are at least partially disposed within thehousing 12.

In dual cannula embodiments, the user can provide suction by coveringthe open port 52 (located, for example, on the irrigation button 24)with a finger. To provide irrigation, the user merely pushes down on theirrigation button 24 with the same finger. If simultaneous suction andirrigation is desired, the user may keep the open port 52 covered;otherwise the user may simply slide the finger off the open port 52 andactuate the irrigation button 24. To provide flush liquid (or toirrigate, in single cannula embodiments), the user merely has to slidethe finger a short distance to the flush button 22 and press down.Accordingly, all three functions are easily completed with a singlefinger and without the user having to adjust his/her grip. Similarly, insingle cannula embodiments, the user can provide suction by covering theopen port 52, located in the housing 12 (for example in front of orbehind the flush button 22), with a finger. To provide irrigation (andalso flush), the user merely slides the finger to the flush button 22and presses down.

To provide embodiments having a handheld size and single fingeroperation, with all hoses, springs, and button projections locatedwithin the housing 12, substantial hurdles must be overcome. Typicalsuction and irrigation tools are sized and configured such that they aredifficult to operate with a single hand, and even more difficult tooperate with a single finger. The housings are either large or they aresplit into multiple pieces to accommodate the internal valves. Thereason for this is that in order to open and close the hoses orchannels, the valves must utilize some form of mechanical advantage, forexample an inclined plane or a cam. Often, these tools use valve stemshaving ends with relatively large radii in order to pinch a hose againsta side wall or other curved surface. These valves, while perhapseffective, take up valuable space within the housing or must be externalto the housing.

To accomplish the small, handheld housing 12 and single fingeroperation, at least some embodiments are provided with valves having twoopposing blade tips, as described above. Using blades tips withrelatively small radii allows the pinching efficiency of the valve to bemaximized, thereby allowing a reduction in force to pinch closed thehose by concentrating the force over a smaller area of the hose. Theconfiguration of the blade tips and using two of them in opposition, asdescribed above, further assist in lowering the necessary pinch force.The use of opposing blade tips is effective whether used in hinged,circular arc button embodiments or in linearly mounted embodiments.Another advantage of using two opposing blades is that it is a forgivingconfiguration if the blades somehow become misaligned. If misalignmentoccurs, the valve created by the blades will still function, albeit by adifferent mechanism. Typically, a misaligned valve will operate in ashear-pinch mode, however if the misalignment is substantial then a“blade on flat” mode may occur.

In addition to the configuration of the buttons and blade tips, thehoses themselves can be configured to reduce the necessary pinchingforce of the tool. The thicknesses of the hoses can be reduced to theminimum required, for example to avoid collapse in the suction hose 42.In addition, the hoses having a reduced hardness can be used in order tolower the pinching force. However, the hardness must stay above certainthresholds for the flush/irrigation hoses 46, 60 to maintain a certainburst strength and in the suction hose 42 to avoid collapse. One exampleof a suitable material for the hoses is silicone, although othermaterials may be used as well. In another embodiment, pinching force mayalso be reduced by providing one or more of the hoses with a pinchingportion (not shown) in which the wall thickness of the hose is reducedin the portion of the hose to be pinched. To avoid collapse in thesuction hose 42, the portions of the hose adjacent to the pinchingportion may be strengthened, either by making them thicker or by anyother suitable method known in the art.

Reducing the pinching force necessary to close the hoses further allowsfor valves that do not require additional mechanical advantage to fullyactuate, which allows the components of the tool 10 to be assembled in asmaller, more compact housing 12. In addition, at least some embodimentscombine the opening of one hose and the pinching of another hose intoone operation performed by a single button. For example, the flushbutton 22 may, when actuated, overcome the spring bias holding the flushvalve 88 in a closed position, thereby moving it to an open position,and simultaneously move the suction valve 98 into a closed position bycausing it to be pinched by the second projection blade tip 90 and thesuction hose blade tip 96.

In some embodiments of the dual and/or single cannula tool 10, it isdesirable to tailor the force necessary to actuate the flush button 22and/or the irrigation button 24. To accomplish this, a snapover member118 may be included on the button and a snap projection 120 may extendfrom the housing 12, as shown in FIGS. 8, 16, and 17. These Figures showthe snapover member 118 as part of the flush button 22; however thesnapover member 118 may be incorporated into the irrigation button 24,as well. In at least one embodiment, the snapover member 118 extendsfrom one of the button projections and has a curved tip 122 for engagingthe snap projection 120. The snap projection 120 has a contact surface124 which engages the curved tip 122, the contact surface 124 having acam profile 126. The cam profile 126 can be tailored to provide adesired force profile as the button is actuated.

Without the snapover member 118, the force required to actuate thebutton is proportional to the spring constant with a small deflectionrequiring less force than full deflection. If it is desired to make theforce profile such that more force is required at the beginning ofactuation than at the end, a cam profile 126 such as that shown in FIGS.15 and 16 may be used. As the button is depressed, the snapover member118 must deflect as it slides across the contact surface 124.Accordingly, requiring a higher amount of deflection in the beginningwill require a higher amount of force to begin actuation. However, onceactuation is complete, the deflection is minimal and the force requiredto maintain the button in the actuated state is approximately equal tothe force to compress the spring plus the force required to close anynormally open hose(s) (e.g. the suction hose 42 in FIG. 15). Thisrelatively low force at the end of actuation may be beneficial duringperiods of long actuation, for example during a lengthy operation,because it requires less strength to maintain actuation. Incorporatingthe snapover member 118 and snap projection 120 may be furtheradvantageous if, for example, accidental actuation of a certain buttonis undesirable. It may also provide a more satisfactory tactile feel tothe user of the tool 10.

The cam profile 126 can be tailored to provide a wide variety of forceprofiles in addition to the one described above. Another example is acam profile that results in a constant force required to depress thebutton throughout its entire actuation. The force required to depressthe button is the sum of the spring force and the snapover force at eachgiven deflection, minus the force of the hose(s) acting on the button asit tries to return to its natural, open state. For the flush button 22,there is an additional required force of pinching closed the suctionhose 42. Using this equation, other cam profiles can be designed for anydesired force profile of the buttons.

Additional features may be incorporated into any of the embodimentsdiscussed above in order to increase the effectiveness of the tool 10.To reduce the possibility of clogging, the suction cannula 18 may have atip 128 having a reduced diameter D2 compared to the outer diameter D1of the rest of the cannula 18, such as shown in FIG. 18. The reduced tipdiameter D2 only allows debris having a diameter smaller than thecannula 18 diameter D1 to enter, reducing the likelihood of cloggingonce inside. In at least one embodiment having a dual cannula, such asshown in FIG. 18, the irrigation cannula 20 may have a shorter lengththan the suction cannula 18. The irrigation cannula 20 may also have anangled tip 130, such that it has a shorter length at its farthest pointfrom the suction cannula 18. In at least one embodiment, the angle 8 ofthe tip is from 20 to 70 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle isfrom 30-60 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle is from 40-50degrees.

In dual cannula embodiments, the shape and configuration of the cannulasis not limited to separate cannulas stacked vertically, such as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. The suction cannula 18 and irrigation cannula 20 may beformed as one piece but divided to have separate lumens, such as shownin FIGS. 19A-D. Alternatively, they may be formed as independent andhorizontally adjacent, such as shown in FIG. 19E. In other embodiments,they may be coaxial, such as shown in FIGS. 19F-H. In coaxialembodiments, the irrigation cannula 20 is typically (but notnecessarily) the outer, shorter cannula.

With respect to FIGS. 20 and 21, in some embodiments a check valve 132may be provided at either end of the control port hose 44 or within thecontrol port hose to allow air to be pulled into and through the controlport hose 44 but prevent any fluid from exiting therefrom. For example,the check valve 132 may be located in the rear manifold 30, within thecontrol port hose 44 (i.e. an in-line valve), or near the open port 52(e.g. attached to the irrigation button 24 in some dual cannulaembodiments). The check valve 132, for example a one-way valve, mayprevent flush fluid from exiting through the control port hose 44 andout the open port 52 in the event that a clog occurs in the externalsuction supply line (not shown). If such a clog were to occur, then,without a check valve 132, it may be possible during a partial pressureflush (described above) for flush water to travel past the suction valve98 and back up into the control port hose 44, eventually exiting throughthe open port 52.

In at least one embodiment, an example of which is shown in FIG. 20, thecheck valve 132 is a ball check valve 134. In the embodiment shown, theball check valve 134 is located at least partially within the rearmanifold 30. The ball check valve 134 works by moving towards theproximal end of the tool 10 when suction is being applied, leaving a gapfor the air to pass, and moving distally to seal the control port hose44 when fluid tries to enter the control port hose from the proximalend. The ball check valve 134 is not limited to being located within therear manifold, for example, it may be located at the distal end of thecontrol port hose 44. In at least one embodiment, however, the ballcheck valve 134 is located at least partially within the rear manifold30 such that if a small amount of fluid leaks through the valve, thereis a section of the control port hose 44 to hold the fluid and it willnot exit the tool 10.

In other embodiments, an example of which is shown in FIG. 21, the checkvalve 132 is a reed valve 136. In the embodiment shown, the reed valve136 is located at least partially within the rear manifold 30. The reedvalve 136 works by flexing outward when suction is being applied,leaving a gap for the air to pass, and returning to a closed position toseal the control port hose 44 when fluid tries to enter the control porthose from the proximal end. The reed valve 136 is not limited to beinglocated within the rear manifold, for example it may be located at thedistal end of the control port hose 44. In at least one embodiment,however, the reed valve 136 is located at least partially within therear manifold 30, such that if a small amount of fluid leaks through thevalve, there is a section of the control port hose 44 to hold the fluidand it will not exit the tool 10.

While the illustrated embodiments show ball check valves and reedvalves, any suitable check valve may be used to allow air to besuctioned into the tool 10 through the control port hose 44 whilepreventing fluid from escaping the tool 10 therefrom. Other examples(not shown) of possible check valves include in-line valves, umbrellavalves, and slit/duckbill valves. These valves may be positioned withinthe control port hose 44, at either end of the control port hose 44, orany other suitable location to perform the desired function.

In at least one embodiment, the tool 10 may be configured to bedisposable such that it may be used once or several times and thenreplaced. The tool 10 may be provided with supply lines (not shown) thatextend between the suction terminal 38 and the source of suction and theirrigation terminal 40 and the source of irrigation. In one embodiment,the supply lines are PVC tubing, however any suitable material may beused. In one embodiment, the irrigation supply line may be connected toan IV bag having a pressure cuff.

In other embodiments, a pump or compressed air may be used to increasethe pressure and/or volume flow through the supply line and the flushhose 46 and/or irrigation hose 60. Any suitable type of pump may beused, for example a peristaltic pump. In embodiments where a peristalticpump is used, the supply lines (if provided with the tool 10) may beused with the peristaltic pump directly. The use of peristaltic pumpsmay be advantageous since they are generally available in hospitals forprocedures such as dialysis and infusion. In embodiments where there isincreased pressure in the supply lines, a flow controlling valve or aflow limiting orifice may be provided in one or both of the flush hose46 and the irrigation hose 60 in order to reduce the pressure or thevolume flow therethrough.

In at least some embodiments described above, there is at least one“normally closed” hose when no buttons are actuated. Depending on thematerials used and the conditions during storage and shipping, it may bepossible for the hoses to take on a permanent or semi-permanent set inthe closed position such that they do not fully open when the buttonsare actuated. For example, hoses made of rubber may set in elevatedtemperatures. To mitigate or eliminate this potential issue, the tool 10may be packaged such that buttons that are configured to open thenormally closed hoses are in an at least partially actuated position,thereby not allowing them to stay in a fully closed position for longperiods of time. This may be accomplished using any suitable methodknown in the art, for example using a pull-pin or a shrink sleeve.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather,the words used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further embodiments of the invention.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification areindicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporatedby reference to the same extent as if each individual publication wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figuresincluded herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures comprising: a housing, for substantially enclosing at least one valve assembly, said at least one valve assembly including a suction terminal for fluid connection to a source of suction, said at least one valve assembly including an irrigation terminal for fluid connection to a source of pressurized irrigation fluid, said at least one valve assembly including an outlet terminal for connection to a cannula, said cannula extending outwardly from said housing, said valve assembly including a flush button, said flush button constructed and arranged to selectively shut off flow of said suction through said cannula and allow flow of said pressurized irrigation fluid through said cannula upon movement of said flush button in a first direction, whereby movement in a second direction restores flow of said suction through said cannula and stops flow of said pressurized irrigation fluid through said cannula.
 2. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 1 wherein said suction terminal of said at least one valve assembly includes an open port in fluid communication with an outside atmosphere and extending to a position outside of said housing, flow of said atmosphere through said open port into said suction terminal regulated by covering portions or all of said open port.
 3. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 2 wherein said open port is regulated by a finger digit of an operator, whereby volume and vacuum intensity is regulated.
 4. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 2 wherein said open port is regulated by a cover moveable by an operator, whereby volume and vacuum intensity is regulated.
 5. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 1 wherein progressive movement of said flush button in a first direction causes progressive restriction of said suction while simultaneously providing progressive flow of said pressurized irrigation fluid, and movement of said flush button in a second direction causes progressive flow of said suction while simultaneously providing restrictive flow of said pressurized irrigation fluid.
 6. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 5 wherein said suction terminal and said irrigation terminal are constructed from a resilient and flexible material whereby said flush button is constructed and arranged to pinch said suction terminal while simultaneously releasing a pinched area of said irrigation terminal during movement of said flush button in a first direction.
 7. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 6 wherein said suction terminal and said irrigation terminal are constructed from a resilient and flexible material whereby said flush button is constructed and arranged to pinch said irrigation terminal while simultaneously releasing a pinched area of said suction terminal during movement of said flush button in a second direction.
 8. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 1 wherein said at least one valve assembly includes a suction manifold and an irrigation fluid manifold, said manifolds fluidly connected for simultaneous operation through movement of said flush button.
 9. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 2 wherein said open port in fluid communication with an outside atmosphere includes a check valve, said check valve positioned and oriented to allow air from the atmosphere to flow into said suction terminal while preventing liquid from exiting through said open port.
 10. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 2 wherein said irrigation fluid is directed into a suction channel extending through said cannula and said suction terminal at least partially in the direction of the traveling suction
 11. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 2 including an irrigation cannula, fluidly connected to said irrigation terminal, an irrigation valve connected between said irrigation terminal and said irrigation cannula, said irrigation valve operable to allow said pressurized fluid to flow through said irrigation cannula.
 12. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 11 including an irrigation button, said irrigation button operably connected to said irrigation valve for operation thereof.
 13. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 12 wherein said cannula and said irrigation cannula are arranged in a side by side arrangement.
 14. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 13 wherein said cannula and said irrigation cannula are formed as one piece but divided to have separate lumens.
 15. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 13 wherein said cannula and said irrigation cannula are coaxial with respect to each other.
 16. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 13 wherein said outer cannula is said irrigation cannula.
 17. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 2 wherein said housing is formed from multiple pieces, secured together to function as a single piece.
 18. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 2 wherein said housing is formed from a top half and a bottom half, secured together to function as a single piece.
 19. A handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures comprising: a housing, for substantially enclosing a valve assembly, said valve assembly fluidly connected to a source of vacuum at a first terminal and a source of pressurized liquid at a second terminal, said valve assembly including an outlet terminal in fluid communication with a cannula, said valve assembly having a first position whereby vacuum is allowed to flow through said valve assembly and said cannula, said valve assembly having a second position whereby said vacuum is stopped and said pressurized liquid is allowed to flow into said cannula for flushing said cannula.
 20. The handheld tool for providing irrigation and suction for surgical procedures of claim 1 wherein said first terminal of said valve assembly includes an open port in fluid communication with an outside atmosphere and extending to a position outside of said housing, whereby flow of said atmosphere through said open port into said suction terminal regulated by covering portions or all of said open port. 